The LNP appears certain to snare victory in a Queensland by-election, maintaining its numbers in the state's tightly balanced parliament.
With more than 70 per cent of votes counted in the Toowoomba South contest, the LNP candidate, banker David Janetzki, has claimed 45.3 per cent of first preference votes.
Mr Janetzki is expected to fare well from pre-poll and postal votes, putting him on track to fend off independent former mayor Di Thorley in what is essentially a two-horse race.
Ms Thornley has secured 35.6 per cent of first preference votes, according to the ABC.
The by-election comes after LNP MP John McVeigh vacated the seat ahead of his successful election to federal parliament.
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Labor didn't run a candidate in the seat, which has been in either LNP hands or its parent party the Nationals since 1974.
Mr Janetzki's likely win will ensure the LNP opposition remains level with the state's Labor government at 42 seats each in the state's 89-seat hung parliament.
A Thorley victory would have offered Labor a slight edge, while increasing the powerful crossbench to six MPs.
